Incline Push-Ups

Muscles worked: Chest · Also: Shoulders, Triceps

Incline Push-Ups are push-ups done with your hands raised on a step, bench or sturdy surface. Raising the hands takes weight off the upper body, making the push-up pattern accessible while you build strength.

Set your hands on the raised surface slightly wider than your shoulders, walk your feet back to a straight plank line, and lower your chest toward the surface. Keep your hips level throughout — the incline helps, but the straight body line still counts.

How to do it

1. Place your hands on a step, bench, or sturdy surface, slightly wider than your shoulders.
2. Walk your feet back until your body forms a straight plank line from head to heels.
3. Lower your chest toward the surface with control.
4. Press back up to the starting position.
5. Keep your hips level throughout — the incline helps, but the straight body line still counts. If the line breaks, raise the surface higher or step your feet closer.

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Programs that include it

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General fitness information only, not medical advice. Stop if an exercise causes pain, and talk to a doctor before starting a new workout routine if you have a health condition.